John the Baptist was the last of the prophets of Israel. He was chosen by God to prepare the way for the Messiah, Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, John led an erauste life in the desert and preached about repentance. His behavior resembled earlier prophets of the Old Testament, such as the prophet Elijah. John was known as "the baptist" because he baptized people for the purification of sins. Link Referring Luke 16:16-18 Link and JST, Luke 16:16–23 Link